seventh son Man who inherits great magical powers, according to widespread folklore. Seven is a number that is important in folklore relating to Magic. A seventh son possesses natural abilities for CLAIRVOYANCE, Prophecy, control of spirits, and healing. A seventh son of a seventh son is considered to be the most powerful of all. However, the supernatural ability then diminishes in reverse for the next seven generations. Robert Kirk, a 17th-century minister who wrote about FAIRIES, was a seventh son and may have possessed natural psychic abilities that enabled him to see and comprehend the fairy realm. Seventh daughters are valued among some Gypsies for their reputed fortune-telling abilities. See also GREATRAKES, VALENTINE.
The Encyclopedia of Magic and Alchemy Written by Rosemary Ellen Guiley Copyright © 2006 by Visionary Living, Inc.